This course has studied the American presidency as an institution and through individual case studies of presidential leadership and power. Based on our
readings and discussions, what skills are most important for effective presidential governance in the twenty-first century? Does the institution of the American presidency require structural changes to increase prospects and opportunities for presidential leadership?
Write a complete and detailed essay of approximately 1,200 words to address this question.
In addressing this question, be sure to include the following:
Evaluation of three leadership qualities in Greenstein’s The Presidential Difference;
Discussion of at least three modern presidents (FDR to Biden), using
Greenstein and Milkis/Nelson texts (and news articles if Biden case
study is included) as references;
Analysis of one reform proposal from the last chapter of the Cronin text, explaining whether you endorse it, and why.
Your essay should have a title and word count at the top of the first page, as
well as an introductory paragraph with a thesis statement, analysis +
evidence paragraphs, and a concluding paragraph.
The Greenstein, Cronin, and Milkis/Nelson textbooks must be cited in your
essay for each of the above prompts. Be sure to provide complete citations for other sources.
Include full citation information for all sources, including course readings.
For footnotes, include author, title, publication date, and page number
[or section in textbook].
For in-text references, include author and page number [or section in
textbook], as well as a reference list with full citation information.
For formatting, double-space your essay, and include page numbers.
Your essay should not be longer than 1,500 words.
